Hello, residents and community members!
I hope everyone has had a great week and has been able to enjoy the beautiful fall weather. October is here, and there is certainly a lot happening throughout the Town of Black Brook!
Before moving into this week’s announcements, I would like to extend, on behalf of myself and the Town of Black Brook, our deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of former Town Supervisor Ricky Nolan on his passing.
Ricky dedicated many years of his life to public service, both through his work for New York State and his service to the Town of Black Brook. He cared deeply for this community and the people who call it home.
Those who serve their community leave behind a lasting contribution through the time, dedication, and effort they give on behalf of others. Ricky’s years of public service to our Town and our area will be remembered and appreciated.
Our thoughts are with Ricky’s family, friends, and all those who knew him during this difficult time.
On behalf of the Town of Black Brook, thank you, Ricky, for your many years of service to our community.
This week, I want to share several important upcoming meeting dates, provide an update on the 2027 Town Budget, and highlight some of the programs, events, employment opportunities, and other activities happening throughout our community.
We have several important meetings coming up, particularly as the Town Board continues working through the 2027 budget process. Community participation is strongly encouraged.
Monday, October 5, 2026 @ 6:00 PM
The Town Board will continue its review and development of the proposed 2027 Town Budget. Residents are encouraged to attend, follow the budget process, and learn more about the financial decisions being considered for the upcoming year.
Tuesday, October 13, 2026 @ 5:30 PM
The Town Board will hold a public hearing regarding the proposed local law authorizing the Town to override the property tax levy limit for the 2027 fiscal year.
Tuesday, October 13, 2026 @ 6:00 PM
Please note: Our October Town Board Meeting will be held on Tuesday, October 13th, rather than our normal second-Monday schedule.
All meetings will take place at:
Town of Black Brook Town Hall
18 N Main Street
Au Sable Forks, NY 12912
Attending Town meetings is a great way to stay informed about local decisions, upcoming projects, Town finances, and issues that affect our community. It also provides residents with an opportunity to ask questions, provide input, and stay actively involved.
If you are unable to attend in person, you may join virtually.
Join from your computer, tablet, or smartphone:
https://meet.goto.com/488936285
Dial in by phone:
United States: +1 (872) 240-3311
Access Code: 488-936-285
As we continue developing the Town of Black Brook’s 2027 Budget, I want to provide residents with an open and straightforward look at some of the financial challenges we are facing.
The Town Board and I are very mindful of the economic pressures facing our residents. The cost of groceries, utilities, fuel, insurance, housing, and other everyday necessities continues to place pressure on household budgets. Local government is not immune to many of those same rising costs.
Based on our tentative budget work to date, it appears that the Town will need to exceed New York State’s property tax cap for the 2027 fiscal year.
This is not a decision we take lightly. The proposed tax-cap override provides the Town Board with the ability to adopt a budget above the statutory levy limit if ultimately necessary. It does not, by itself, determine the final tax levy or mean that every dollar potentially authorized will be raised.
We are continuing to review every department, appropriation, contractual expense, available revenue source, and use of fund balance before the 2027 budget is finalized.
Several significant cost increases are affecting our budget planning:
These increases have a particularly significant impact on our Highway Fund.
The Town maintains more than 90 miles of Town and County roadway. Maintaining those roads, especially through a North Country winter, requires substantial amounts of diesel fuel, gasoline, road salt, equipment, parts, insurance, and labor. When several of these necessary expenses increase substantially at the same time, the impact on the Highway budget is significant.
At the same time, we are working diligently to control the portions of the budget where we have greater discretion. At this point in the process, the General Fund is tentatively projected to increase by approximately 2%. This figure remains preliminary and may change as the Town Board continues its review.
I think this is an important distinction for residents to understand.
Exceeding the tax cap does not automatically mean that every resident’s Town tax bill will increase by the same percentage as the Town’s overall budget.
Total appropriations are only one part of the equation. Revenues, available fund balance, assessed property values, special districts, exemptions, and the final amount that must be raised through property taxes all play a role in determining individual tax bills.
Our responsibility is to maintain essential Town services while remaining mindful that every dollar raised ultimately comes from the taxpayers we serve.
The Town Board and I will continue looking for savings, carefully reviewing expenditures, pursuing grants and other outside funding whenever available, and making sure that increases included in the final budget can be justified.
The budget process is not finished.
That is why I strongly encourage residents who are interested in the 2027 budget to attend the October 5th Budget Meeting at 6:00 PM and the October 13th Public Hearing at 5:30 PM.
We recognize that these are challenging economic times for many families, seniors, and businesses throughout our community. The Town is facing many of those same increased costs, and we remain committed to approaching the 2027 Budget carefully, responsibly, and transparently.
A seasonal reminder for our Fern Lake residents and users:
The Town of Black Brook Highway Department will be removing the dock at the Fern Lake Boat Launch on Thursday, October 8th.
We appreciate everyone’s cooperation as we begin preparing our Town facilities for the upcoming winter season.
It is hard to believe, but we have roughly one week remaining in our Youth Soccer season!
A sincere thank you goes out to all of our coaches, sponsors, players, and families who have helped make this another fun and successful season. Our youth programs simply would not be possible without the volunteers, businesses, parents, and community members who continue to support our kids.
A special thank you to Paul Benway for all of his work throughout the season making sure our soccer fields and facilities are maintained and presentable. Your efforts are greatly appreciated!
As soccer winds down, the Youth Commission is already looking ahead to our winter sports programs; Basketball and Skiing!
We are currently actively seeking a Sports Coordinator for BOTH programs.
Basketball Sports Coordinator: $1,000
Ski Program Coordinator: $1,000
If you are organized, enjoy working with our youth programs, and may be interested in coordinating either sport, please reach out to Jessie for additional information.
Office: 518-647-5411, Extension 1
Text: 518-524-9818
Please help us spread the word. These programs depend on community members stepping forward to help make them possible for our kids!
The Town of Black Brook is still actively seeking a Dog Control Officer.
Salary: $4,500
Application Deadline: October 7, 2026
The Dog Control Officer is responsible for enforcing New York State and local laws relating to the control of dogs. Responsibilities include responding to complaints; handling stray or potentially dangerous dogs; attempting to locate owners; maintaining accurate records; assisting with investigations and quarantine orders; participating in court proceedings when necessary; and preparing reports for the Town Board.
Candidates should have good dog-handling skills, sound judgment, good communication and recordkeeping abilities, knowledge of the local area, and the ability to work effectively with the public.
Candidates must meet one of the following minimum qualifications:
A valid New York State Driver’s License is required if the position involves operating a motor vehicle.
If you have questions about the position or are wondering whether it might be a good fit for you, please reach out to me. I would be happy to discuss the position and answer any questions you may have. I am available during the day or evening.
Supervisor Jon P. Douglass
Office: 518-647-5411, Extension 4
Cell: 518-524-7966
Either number will reach me.
Another great community event is coming up!
The Au Sable Forks Fire Department will be hosting a Pop Up Market:
Saturday, October 17th
10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Au Sable Forks Fire Department
2456 NY-9N, Au Sable Forks
The event will feature 30+ vendors offering a great variety of locally made and specialty items, including homemade gifts and home décor, jewelry, crochet, quilts, clothing, soaps, skincare, candles, scents, baked and canned goods, specialty drinks, 3D prints, resin, fused glass, and more!
This is a great opportunity to shop local, support our vendors, visit with neighbors, and enjoy another community event right here in Au Sable Forks.
Stop in and see what everyone has to offer!
We are pleased to share that security cameras have now been installed at the Town of Black Brook River Park.
We are also very happy to see the continued use of the park by our residents and community members. Whether you are stopping by for a picnic, spending some quiet time by the river, bringing the kids down, or reaching out to use the space for a small gathering, it is wonderful to see the park being enjoyed.
And now we are heading into one of our favorite times of the year at River Park and one of our favorite community events...
Saturday, October 24th
4:30 PM – 7:00 PM
Town of Black Brook River Park
2429 Route 9N, Au Sable Forks
It’s almost time for one of our favorite community traditions! We are excited to begin getting everything decorated and ready next week for another fun Halloween evening for our families and kiddos.
This year’s festivities will include Trunk-or-Treat and Trick-or-Treat stations, complimentary hot dogs from The DogFather, complimentary hot chocolate from The Forks Blend & Brew, our Spooky Trail Train Ride, music, a campfire, and s’mores!
A SPECIAL THANK YOU TO OUR CANDY SPONSORS!
A very special THANK YOU goes out to our Halloween Candy Sponsors:
Ron & Judy Wilkins
Dennis Bushey & Bruce Bennett
Chris Kyea
Your generosity helps us make this event extra special for the kids in our community, and we sincerely appreciate your support!
THANK YOU FOR THE CORNSTALKS!
We would also like to extend a HUGE THANK YOU to Jean & Russ Coonradt and Duane Cumber for their very generous donations of cornstalks for our Town Halloween decorations!
These donations help us transform our Town spaces for the season, and we truly appreciate you thinking of the community and helping us get into the Halloween spirit.
We are excited to get things happening next week! There is a lot of decorating and preparation ahead, and we cannot wait to see the River Park, Clock Park, and Town come together for Halloween.
Events like this are made possible by people and businesses who are willing to contribute, volunteer, donate, and lend a hand. Thank you to everyone who continues to help us create these fun traditions and memories for our community.
Come dressed up, bring the family, and join us on October 24th from 4:30 - 7:00 PM for an evening of Halloween fun at the River Park. We hope to see you there! If you're interested in setting up a trunk or treat or inside the park to hand out candy, we'd love to have you. Reach out to Jessie and she will set you up.
Office: 518-647-5411, Extension 1
Text: 518-524-9818
The Town of Black Brook is pleased to partner with the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) and the New York Rural Water Association to offer a FREE Private Well Testing Program for Town of Black Brook residents!
Free and confidential private well testing will be offered on a lottery basis to eligible residents. Testing includes routine physical and chemical testing - a $265 value at no cost to residents who are selected.
Please note: PFAS testing is not included.
If you have a private well and would like to be considered for this free program, please complete the registration form:
https://forms.fillout.com/t/5cFCt9y4Uzus
This opportunity is available to Town of Black Brook residents only.
We are happy to help bring this valuable resource to our residents and encourage those with private wells to take advantage of this opportunity!
Our 4th Quarter utility billing period ended September 30th, and the Water/Sewer Department is currently reading meters and preparing the quarterly bills.
Billing will be processed and mailed on Monday, October 5th.
I want to draw particular attention to the payment deadline this quarter because of the annual relevy process.
The Town is required to report qualifying unpaid water and sewer balances to Clinton County in November for relevy onto the applicable property tax bill. Because of that process, 4th Quarter utility payments must be received, processed, and posted in our office no later than November 6th.
October 5th : 4th Quarter bills processed and mailed
November 6th: Payments must be received and posted by the Town
Please do not wait until the last minute to submit your payment. Any qualifying unpaid balance remaining after the Town’s deadline may be subject to relevy onto the applicable property tax bill.
If you have questions regarding your utility bill, meter reading, or the amount billed, please contact:
Jessie
518-647-5411, Extension 1
ap@blackbrookny.gov
For questions regarding payments you have already made or available payment methods, please contact:
Town Clerk Dennis Bushey
518-647-5411, Extension 2
There is certainly a lot happening throughout the Town as we head into October; from our 2027 budget process and upcoming meetings, to wrapping up soccer, preparing for our winter youth programs, community events, utility billing, and getting our Town facilities ready for the colder months ahead.
I continue to be grateful for the employees, volunteers, coaches, local organizations, businesses, sponsors, donors, and residents who contribute their time and efforts to our community. So much of what happens in a small town happens because people are willing to step forward and help.
As we continue through the budget process, I also want our residents to know that the Town Board and I understand the financial pressures many households are experiencing. We will continue doing our best to balance the services our community depends upon with our responsibility to the taxpayers who fund them.
Thank you for giving me the opportunity to keep you informed.
I hope everyone has a wonderful and safe weekend, and I hope to see you around Town!
Supervisor Jon Douglass
Town of Black Brook
PO Box 715
AuSable Forks, NY 12912
Tel: 518-647-5411
